The exploration of remote simulation strategies for the acquisition of psychomotor skills in medicine: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Background: Progress in remote educational strategies was fueled by the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. This pilot RCT explored the efficacy of a decentralized model of simulation based on principles of observational and peer-to-peer learning for the acquisition of surgical skills. Methods: Sixty medical students from the University of Montreal learned the running subcuticular suture in four different conditions: (1) Control group (2) Self-learning (3) Peer-learning (4) Peer-learning with expert feedback. The control group learned with error-free videos, while the others, through videos illustrating strategic sub-optimal performances to be identified and discussed by students. Performance on a simulator at the end of the learning period, was assessed by an expert using a global rating scale (GRS) and checklist (CL). Results: Students engaging in peer-to-peer learning strategies outperformed students who learned alone. The presence of an expert, and passive vs active observational learning strategies did not impact performance. Conclusion: This study supports the efficacy of a remote learning strategy and demonstrates how collaborative discourse optimizes the students' acquisition of surgical skills. These remote simulation strategies create the potential for implantation in future medical curriculum design.Trial Registration: NCT04425499 2020-05-06.

Optimizing the Learner's Role in Feedback: Development of a Feedback-Preparedness Online Application for Medical Students in the Clinical Setting.

Feedback is an essential component of medical education, especially during clinical rotations. There is growing interest in learner-related factors that can optimize feedback's efficiency, including goal orientation, reflection, self-assessment, and emotional response. However, no mobile application or curriculum currently exists to specifically address those factors. This technical report describes the concept, design, and learner-based feedback of an innovative online application, available on mobile phones, developed to bridge this gap. Eighteen students in their third or fourth year of medical school provided comments on a pilot version of the application. The majority of learners deemed the module relevant, interesting, and helpful to guide reflection and self-assessment, therefore fostering better preparation before an upcoming feedback session. Minor improvements were suggested in terms of content and format. The learners' initial positive response supports further efforts to engage in validity and evaluation research. Future steps include modifying the mobile application based on learners' comments, evaluating its efficacy in a real clinical setting, and clarifying whether it is most beneficial for mid-rotation or end-of-rotation feedback sessions.

Hand Sewn Anastomosis Skill Acquisition and In Vivo Transfer Using 3D-Printed Small Bowel Simulator.

INTRODUCTION: General surgery residents need to master the hand-sewn bowel anastomosis (HSBA) technique. However, practice opportunities outside of the operating room are rare, and commercial simulators are often costly. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of a new, affordable silicone small bowel simulator, made with a three-dimensional (3D) printed mold, as a training tool to learn this technique. METHODS: This was a single-blinded pilot randomized controlled trial comparing two groups of eight junior surgical residents. All participants completed a pretest using an inexpensive, custom developed 3D-printed simulator. Next, participants randomized to the experimental group practiced the HSBA skill at home (eight sessions), while those randomized to the control group did not receive any hands-on practice opportunities. A posttest was done using the same simulator as for the pretest and practice sessions, and the retention-transfer test was performed on an anesthetized porcine model. Pretests, posttests and retention-transfer tests were filmed and graded by a blinded evaluator using assessments of technical skills, quality of final product, and tests of procedural knowledge. RESULTS: The experimental group significantly improved after practicing with the model (P = 0.01), while an equivalent improvement was not noted in the control group (P = 0.07). Moreover, the experimental group's performance remained stable between the posttest and the retention-transfer test (P = 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: Our 3D-printed simulator is an affordable and efficacious tool to teach residents the HSBA technique. It allows development of surgical skills that are transferable to an in vivo model.

The Role of Collaborative Observational Practice and Feedback-Discourse to Promote Remote Acquisition of Technical Surgical Skills.

INTRODUCTION: Acquisition of technical skills remotely in a decentralized model requires an efficacious way of providing feedback. The primary objective was to test the efficacy of various forms of feedback on the acquisition of surgical skills by medical students. METHODS: Forty volunteers were randomized to four experimental groups, differing from the nature of feedback (free text versus structured) and who provided the feedback (expert versus peer learners). They had to perform sutures and upload attempts on a learning management system to receive interactive feedback. The pretest and retention test performances were assessed. RESULTS: All groups significantly improved from pretests to retention tests; however, participants using checklist showed statistically lower improvements than the other groups, which did not differ from each other. CONCLUSIONS: Remote learners can acquire surgical skills, and most importantly, peers who provide feedback, are as effective as experts if they use open-ended comments and not checklists.

Development and Initial Assessment of a Novel and Customized Bile Duct Simulator for Handsewn Anastomosis Training.

Simulation-based medical education allows for the training and maintenance of healthcare skills in a safe and controlled environment. In this technical report, the development and initial evaluation of a bile duct anastomosis simulator are described. The simulator was developed using additive manufacturing techniques such as three-dimensional (3D) printing and silicone work. The final product was produced by maxSIMhealth, a research lab at Ontario Tech University (Oshawa, ON, Canada), and included four individual silicone bile ducts, based on the expert opinions from surgeons at the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (Montreal, QC, Canada), and a 3D-printed maxSIMclamp, which was described in a previous report. The evaluation was conducted by nine individuals consisting of surgeons, surgical residents, and medical students to assess the fidelity, functionality, and teaching quality of the simulator. The results from the evaluation indicate that the simulator needs to improve its fidelity by being softer, thinner, and beige. On the other hand, the results also indicate that this simulator is extremely durable and can be used as a training tool for surgical residents with some minor improvements.

Development and Initial Assessment of a Novel Customized Deep Laceration Simulator for Suturing Training.

Suturing of different layers, such as deep lacerations, is a challenging clinical skill for residents. Currently, there is a lack of general suturing instructions and practice in undergraduate medicine curricula which would add to the education required during residency and could be impactful to patient safety. Therefore, in order to adequately prepare trainees for clinical practice, training in suturing needs to be made more robust and executable. One way to facilitate this is to provide easy access to equipment that can offer good educational value while allowing for adequate repetition of suturing deep lacerations outside of clinical settings, similar to how it has been done for superficial lacerations. Simulation-based medical education addresses this by training residents in healthcare skills in a safe and controlled environment. Our technical report aims to describe the development and initial evaluation of a deep laceration simulator designed to train residents in suturing. The simulator was made using additive manufacturing techniques such as three-dimensional printing and silicone. Feedback on the simulator was provided by Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal clinicians from various specialties and residents. The simulator was assessed mainly as being easy to use, durable, and having anatomically accurate characteristics. The main improvements suggested were to make the skin thinner, divide the epidermis and dermis, add a fascia, and create a looser and friable layer of fat. Overall, the respondents rated the simulator as a good educational tool with a few minor adjustments.

Role of unilateral adrenalectomy in bilateral adrenal hyperplasias with Cushing's syndrome.

Primary bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasias are rare forms of pituitary ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome (CS). They are divided between primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) and micronodular adrenal hyperplasia (MiBAH), which is subdivided in primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) and isolated micronodular adrenocortical disease (i-MAD). One of the most debated aspects surrounding these entities is their most appropriate therapy. Although bilateral adrenalectomy (BA) has previously been the most utilized therapy for patients with overt CS, recent studies have indicated that unilateral adrenalectomy (UA) can be effective in patients with PBMAH and some with MiBAH with fewer long-term side effects. Medical therapies can also be used for bridging to surgery or rarely in the long-term for these patients. We review the various degrees of CS resulting from PBMAH and MiBAH, with a special focus on their respective therapies including UA, taking into account the recent pathophysiological and genetics findings.

Development and Learner-Based Assessment of a Novel, Customized, 3D Printed Small Bowel Simulator for Hand-Sewn Anastomosis Training.

Hand-sewn bowel anastomosis (HSBA) is an essential skill for surgical residents to learn, as it is used in numerous surgical procedures. However, the opportunities to practice this skill before attempting it on patients are limited. Practice on simulators can help improve this technique, but there is a paucity of realistic, cost-efficient simulators for the acquisition of HSBA skills. This technical report describes the development of our simulator that consists of a small bowel manufactured from silicone and a 3D-printed clamp system to hold the bowel in place. Our simulator was co-designed by a clinical team of surgeons and then assessed for perceived acceptability and effectiveness by 16 junior residents in various surgical specialties at our faculty. A majority of the learners rated our simulator to be a good or very good learning tool for HSBA, although they suggested some minor improvements. Overall, our silicone small bowel model appears to be an effective and inexpensive way to acquire this surgical skill.

An Educational Network for Surgical Education Supported by Gamification Elements: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, medical students have learned surgical skills by observing a resident physician or surgeon who is performing the technique. Due to inconsistent practice opportunities in the clinical setting, a disparity of skill levels among students has been observed. In addition, the poor availability of faculty professors is a limiting factor in teaching and adequately preparing medical students for their clerkship years. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, medical students do not have access to traditional suturing learning opportunities. Didactic courses are available on videoconferencing platforms; however, these courses do not include technical training. OBJECTIVE: Our overarching goal is to evaluate the efficacy and usability of web-based peer-learning for advanced suturing techniques (ie, running subcuticular sutures). We will use the Gamified Educational Network (GEN), a newly developed web-based learning tool. We will assess students' ability to identify and perform the correct technique. We will also assess the students' satisfaction with regard to GEN. METHODS: We will conduct a prospective randomized controlled trial with blinding of expert examiners. First-year medical students in the Faculty of Medicine of Université de Montréal will be randomized into four groups: (1) control, (2) self-learning, (3) peer-learning, and (4) peer-learning with expert feedback. Each arm will have 15 participants who will learn how to perform running subcuticular sutures through videos on GEN. For our primary outcome, the students' ability to identify the correct technique will be evaluated before and after the intervention on GEN. The students will view eight videos and rate the surgical techniques using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills Global Rating Scale and the Subcuticular Suture Checklist as evaluation criteria. For our secondary outcomes, students will anonymously record themselves performing a running subcuticular suture and will be evaluated using the same scales. Then, a survey will be sent to assess the students' acceptance of the intervention. RESULTS: The study will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and has been approved by our institutional review board (CERSES 20-068-D). No participants have been recruited yet. CONCLUSIONS: Peer learning through GEN has the potential to overcome significant limitations related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of availability of faculty professors. Further, a decrease of the anxiety related to traditional suturing classes can be expected. We aim to create an innovative and sustainable method of teaching surgical skills to improve the efficiency and quality of surgical training in medical faculties. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for such tools is imperative. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04425499; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04425499. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/21273.

Repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being and training of medical clerks: a pan-Canadian survey.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented and potentially stressful event that inserted itself into the 2019-2020 Canadian medical curriculum. However, its impact on stress and subsequent professional pathways is not well understood. This study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental well-being, training, and career choices of Canadian medical clerks within the first three months of the pandemic. It also aims to assess their use of university support systems and their appreciation of potential solutions to common academic stressors. METHODS: An electronic survey composed of four sections: demographics, stressors experienced during the pandemic, World Health Organization (WHO) well-being index, and stress management and resources was distributed to Canadian clerks. RESULTS: Clerks from 10 of the 17 Canadian medical faculties participated in this study (n = 627). Forty-five percent of clerks reported higher levels of stress than usual; 22% reconsidered their residency choice; and 19% reconsidered medicine as a career. The factors that were most stressful among clerks were: the means of return to rotations; decreased opportunities to be productive in view of residency match; and taking the national licensing exam after the beginning of residency. The mean WHO well-being index was 14.8/25 ± 4.5, indicating a poor level of well-being among a considerable proportion of students. Clerks who reconsidered their residency choice or medicine as a career had lower mean WHO well-being indices. Most clerks agreed with the following suggested solutions: training sessions on the clinical management of COVID-19 cases; being allowed to submit fewer reference letters when applying to residency; and having protected time to study for their licensing exam during residency. Overall, clerks were less concerned with being infected during their rotations than with the impact of the pandemic on their future career and residency match. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic had a considerable impact on the medical curriculum and well-being of clerks. A number of student-identified solutions were proposed to reduce stress. The implementation of these solutions throughout the Canadian medical training system should be considered.

Echocardiographic Parameters During and Beyond Onset of Kawasaki Disease Correlate with Onset Serum N-Terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP).

The N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP), produced by cardiomyocytes, has several reported utilities and associations in acute Kawasaki disease (KD). The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between serum values of NT-proBNP at time of KD diagnosis with cardiac systolic, diastolic function and electrocardiographic changes, at onset of the disease and during the first year of follow-up. KD was diagnosed in 127 children between March 2007 and July 2014, mean diagnostic age 3.5 ± 2.9 years. Coronary artery maximum z score was 2.6 ± 2.8 (range - 0.6 to + 18.9), with giant aneurysm in 5/122 (4.1%). Age-adjusted NT-proBNP was 2.6 ± 1.6 z score, 78/122 (63.9%) > 2.0. There was a crescendo correlation between onset NT-proBNP z score and C-Reactive protein (CRP) serum levels (slope + 0.49, p < 0.001). There was a crescendo correlation between NT-proBNP z score and indexed left ventricular (LV) mass (slope + 1.86, p = 0.02), LV diastolic function parameter E/e' ratio (slope + 0.31, p = 0.04) and a decrescendo correlation with age-adjusted LV shortening fraction (SF) (- 0.63, p = 0.02). Lower SF z score, higher left ventricular mass index and E/e' ratio were associated with higher NT-proBNP z score, but without correlation with CRP levels. Within 2-3 months from the onset of the disease, there was a resolution of the systolic dysfunction. Electrocardiographic parameter changes were associated with decreased LV shortening fraction but not with NT-proBNP. KD patients with elevated NT-proBNP at onset have sub-clinical myocardial involvement and might benefit from follow-up and continued evaluation, even in the absence of coronary artery involvement.

Long-Term Risk Factors for Dilatation of the Proximal Aorta in a Large Cohort of Children With Bicuspid Aortic Valve.

BACKGROUND: Patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) have a higher risk of developing aortic valve dysfunction and progressive proximal aorta dilatation, which can lead to aortic dissection. To this day, identification of children at risk of developing severe aortic dilatation during their pediatric follow-up is still challenging because most studies were restricted to adult subjects. The overarching goal of this study was to identify risk factors of aortic dilatation in children with BAV. METHODS: We extracted clinical and echocardiographic data of all BAV subjects aged 0 to 20 years followed at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine between 1999 and 2016. We excluded subjects with concomitant heart defects and conditions affecting proximal aorta dimensions. Proximal aorta diameters (expressed as Z scores) were modeled in relation to age and potential predictive variables in a linear mixed model. The primary outcome was the rate of dilatation. RESULTS: We included 761 subjects (3134 echocardiograms) in final analyses. The mean ascending aorta Z score progression rate for BAV patient with a normally functioning aortic valve was estimated at 0.05 Z score unit per year. The strongest predictors of an increased dilatation rate were severe aortic stenosis, moderate and severe aortic regurgitation, and uncorrected coarctation of the aorta. Aortic valve leaflet fusion pattern and sex were not associated with progression rate. CONCLUSIONS: Children with a normally functioning BAV exhibited a very slow proximal aorta dilatation rate. Ascending aorta dilatation rate was significantly increased in patients with more than mild aortic valve dysfunction but was independent from BAV leaflet fusion type.

Profile of resistance to IVIG treatment in patients with Kawasaki disease and concomitant infection.

INTRODUCTION: Kawasaki disease (KD) can be associated with concomitant viral or bacterial infections. Children with persistent or recurrent fever 36 hours after the end of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) are considered to be resistant to treatment and are at increased risk for coronary complications. Although concomitant infection does not affect coronary outcome, it is unknown how it influences the response to IVIG treatment. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective cohort study between 2008 and 2016 in a tertiary pediatric university hospital, including 154 children, of which 59 (38%) had concomitant infection. RESULTS: Children with concomitant infection were more likely to have fever 48 hours after initial IVIG treatment (36% vs 20%, p = 0.05) and to be treated with a second dose (33% vs 18%, p = 0.04). Children with infection had higher C-reactive protein at the time of diagnosis (148 vs 112 mg/L, p = 0.04), and 48 hours after IVIG administration (111 vs 59 mg/L, p = 0.003). Nevertheless, there was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of coronary complications (Z-score > 2.5) between children with and without concomitant infection (36% vs 39%, p = 0.68). CONCLUSION: Children with KD and concomitant infection are more likely to have persistent fever and elevated inflammatory markers after treatment. This association increases the likelihood of receiving a second dose of IVIG but not the risk of coronary complication. Accordingly, prospective studies to distinguish true IVIG resistance from infection induced persistent fever is warranted.

Helical Tomotherapy for Postmastectomy Radiotherapy after Immediate Left Breast Reconstruction: A Case Study.

A 43-year-old premenopausal female presented with a multicentric infiltrating lobular carcinoma of the left breast with axillary nodes metastasis. She underwent modified radical mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection (level I and II) followed by a mixed autologous latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction with the addition of prosthesis. The final pathological analysis revealed a 6 cm invasive lobular carcinoma pT3N2aM0, grade III/III, estrogen and progesterone positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative, with 5/16 positive lymph nodes. She received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel. Post-mastectomy radiotherapy with axillary, supraclavicular and internal mammary lymph nodes (IMLN) irradiation was delivered to a dose of 50 Gy/25 fx. In this case with multiple risk factors for radiation-induced cardiac toxicity (left-sided lesion, internal mammary lymph nodes (IMLN) irradiation), we discuss the role of helical tomotherapy as a treatment alternative to conventional tangential radiotherapy.

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide diagnostic algorithm versus American Heart Association algorithm for Kawasaki disease.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of Kawasaki disease (KD) can be challenging in the absence of a confirmatory test or pathognomonic finding, especially when clinical criteria are incomplete. We recently proposed serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) as an adjunctive diagnostic test. METHODS: We retrospectively tested a new algorithm to help KD diagnosis based on NT-proBNP, coronary artery dilation (CAD) at onset, and abnormal serum albumin or C-reactive protein (CRP). The goal was to assess the performance of the algorithm and compare its performance with that of the 2004 American Heart Association (AHA)/American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) algorithm. RESULTS: The algorithm was tested on 124 KD patients with NT-proBNP measured on admission at the present institutions between 2007 and 2013. Age at diagnosis was 3.4 ± 3.0 years, with a median of five diagnostic criteria; and 55 of the 124 patients (44%) had incomplete KD. CA complications occurred in 64 (52%), with aneurysm in 14 (11%). Using this algorithm, 120/124 (97%) were to be treated, based on high NT-proBNP alone for 79 (64%); on onset CAD for 14 (11%); and on high CRP or low albumin for 27 (22%). Using the AHA/AAP algorithm, 22/47 (47%) of the eligible patients with incomplete KD would not have been referred for treatment, compared with 3/55 (5%) with the NT-proBNP algorithm (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This NT-proBNP-based algorithm is efficient to identify and treat patients with KD, including those with incomplete KD. This study paves the way for a prospective validation trial of the algorithm.